Distributed optical fiber sensors for integrated monitoring of railway infrastructures

Abstract

We describe the application of a distributed optical fiber sensor based on stimulated Brillouin scattering, as an integrated system for safety monitoring of railway infrastructures. The strain distribution was measured statically and dynamically along 60 meters of rail track, as well as along a 3-m stone arch bridge. We show that, gluing an optical fiber along the rail track, traffic monitoring can be performed in order to identify the train passage over the instrumented sector and determine its running conditions. Furthermore, dynamic and static strain measurements on a rail bridge are reported, aimed to detect potential structural defects. The results indicate that distributed sensing technology represents a valuable tool in railway traffic and safety monitoring.